The Holiday Catalog | Holiday Decor

The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - Do you have any eco-friendly stocking decorations?

Novica artisans always strive to craft high-quality, environmentally-conscious pieces. They look for ways to reuse and repurpose materials, and have discovered creative methods of sculpting ornaments out of recycled cardboard and paper. Leftover materials from past projects, such as albesia wood, felt, and even cement, all find new life in eco-friendly ornaments. Each artist lists their materials under product details. You will find complete transparency in those descriptions and discover a large selection of eco-friendly Christmas decorations.

+ - What materials are most commonly used to make ornaments (ceramic, brass, wood, etc)?

The most commonly used materials for handmade ornaments depends on resources available to the craftsman. Balinese artisans incorporate hand-painted wood and iron. Artisans in India, Central America, and Mexico work in clay, ceramics, and natural fibers. But even when regions utilize the same materials, their unique craftsmanship shines through in style and design. In India, the ancient technique of zardozi embroidery uses thin copper wires to make beautiful, sparkling Christmas ornaments. Artists are able to take common, everyday elements and turn them into extraordinary, one-of-a-kind pieces.

+ - What whimsical holiday ornaments make the best gifts?

We love giving ornaments as gifts because they are creative, unique, and meaningful during the holiday season. Whether youre looking for hand-painted works, beaded wonders, or woven treasures, each one is a piece of culture and history. Look for whimsical ornaments from Thailand designed with images of elephants and bells. Search for matte chiseled pumpkins and owls by Peruvian artisans. Central American ornaments delight with hand-painted perfection. Whether you choose a decorative stocking from West Africa or a hand-blown glass masterpiece from the Andes, decorations are a wonderful way to spread some holiday cheer!

+ - What are the most common designs for hand painted ornaments?

Hand painted ornaments differ significantly from region to region. Each depicts specific themes and images important to the culture. In the Andes, ornaments often feature owls, costumed characters, and angels. Bali expresses its festivities with design focused around stars, snowflakes, and traditional Christmas figures. Thailand, Mexico and India have popularized designs surrounding animals and intricate depictions of nature. Handmade ornaments are festive works that highlight the unique skills and cultures of artisans from around the world.

+ - How should I care for my decorative ornaments?

Excellent question! Decorations should definitely be handled with care. Store them in clean, safe spaces with minimal exposure to harsh particles. For extra precaution, pack each ornament separately so as to avoid breakage. Most ornaments do not require extensive cleaning, but if it should become necessary, always use soaps and detergents free from harsh chemicals. Mostly, a simple wipe should be enough to remove dust and tree debris.

+ - What is the best way to set up a nativity scene?

From table tops to floor set-ups beneath the Christmas tree, nativity scenes are a traditional holiday centerpiece in homes around the world. Often entire families come together to partake in the experience. While there is no single right way to set up a nativity scene, certain details tend to cross regional and cultural divides. Biblical characters, animals and religious props often form the foundation of the nativity scene, while customizable pieces add extra flare. Hanging stars showcase the night sky. Decorated motifs, backdrops, ornaments, and figurines may be used to embellish a simple scene.

+ - Are beaded ornaments made by hand?

Absolutely! Artisans that create beaded ornaments use skills passed down for generations. Whether beads are hand-sewn onto fabric, as is the case with many of our Indian ornaments, or strung onto nylon twine, as with many West African ornaments, each piece is made with careful attention to detail.

+ - What are the most popular types of Christmas tree ornaments?

Different cultures and regions celebrate the holidays in their own unique ways, emphasizing various decor, art, and symbolism. In the Andes, for example, Christmas ornaments consist of clay pendants in the shapes of fruit, animals, and multicolored, knitted fabrics. Bali utilizes wood, iron and even recycled paper to craft ornaments, which are often in the shape of stars, Santa Claus figurines, snowflakes, and reindeer. In the regions of Brazil and Thailand, artisans utilize hand-painted ceramics, wood, and natural fibers, while Mexico is famous for their pottery and clay. India specializes in pieces made out of decorative embroidery. Each region crafts celebratory ornaments that highlight the unique customs and art forms within their communities.

Featured Reviews

Driftwood ornament, 'Manger'

Evie

Nov 7, 2025

I love this!

I have wanted a small Nativity for myself but it was important to me that it not have unrealistic blond, white people in it, I wanted something universal. The natural appearanceof this one suits my Franciscan heart.

Wood Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Nat Geo Gifts Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Christmas Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Nativity Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Christian Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Religious Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Rustic Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Wool holiday ornaments, 'Barnyard Bunch' (set of 6)

Melinda

Aug 30, 2025

Will be great for Moma

My sweet Moma has Alzheimer’s and was recently placed in a memory care home after at home she broke her neck and four years earlier broke her femur. She lives animals and handcrafts. She will love these for Christmas decor in her room. Larger than i expected but that’s great. Well made with thoughtfulness into the design and character.

Animals

Charming Wool Animals

Christmas Tree Decorations

Felted

Funny

Handmade Christmas Decorations

Hanging Decorations

Homey

Multicolor Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Wool Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Ornaments

Bamboo root sculptures, 'Santa's Team'

Liza

Jan 9, 2021

Super Pleased

These were the hit of our holiday decorating -- a last-minute addition, as I was completely charmed by them in the catalog we received in December. I took a chance that they would arrive before xmas (they did!) and my family and I all agree that these will be favorite decorations for years to come. They are well-crafted, colorful, funny and look cute sitting anywhere in the house. Good value as a set. I like them so much that I plan on buying them for xmas presents next year. You should buy them -- you won't be disappointed!

Beautiful Christmas Decor

Charming

Charming Christmas Decor

Colorful

Creative Christmas Gifts

Cute

Simple Christmas Decor!

Unique

Well-Made